Stand aside, or I will strike thee dead." "You are wholly in my power," cried Demdike with a disdainful laugh.

And as he spoke he pressed the large sharp bit against the charger's mouth, and backed him quickly to the very edge of the hill, the sides of which here sloped precipitously down.

The abbot would have uttered a cry, but surprise and terror kept him silent.
"Were it my desire to injure you, I could cast you down the mountain-side to certain death," pursued Demdike.

"But I have no such wish.

On the contrary, I will serve you, as I have said, on one condition." "Thy condition would imperil my soul," said the abbot, full of wrath and alarm.